12 Best TV Shows Like Hacks

The series titled “Hacks” made its debut as an exclusive on HBO Max in 2021, swiftly earning critical acclaim due to its witty, fast-paced scripting masterfully crafted by showrunners Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. The show’s success can also be attributed to the performances of its two leads: Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart.

Jean Smart, a seasoned actress who gained prominence from her role on “Designing Women,” portrays Deborah Vance, a stand-up comedian confined to a residency in Las Vegas, facing the potential loss of this very residency. To update her act and make it more contemporary, she hires Ava Daniels (Einbinder), a comedy writer who has recently faced some professional setbacks.

Joining Deborah on her journey is Jimmy LuSaque Jr., her dedicated agent portrayed by Paul W. Downs himself, as well as his partner in crime, Kayla Schaefer, brilliantly played by Meg Stalter. Together, they navigate the twists and turns of Deborah’s career.

Indeed, the series primarily appears to focus on Deborah’s professional journey, but the underlying narrative that truly stands out is the complex and often contentious yet affectionate relationship between Deborah and Ava. If you’re intrigued by shows featuring similar central relationships or overall vibes as “Hacks,” here are some recommendations:

1. From other HBO productions, there are strong-willed female characters like Deborah in shows such as “Big Little Lies” and “Euphoria.” Additionally, if you’re interested in showbusiness comedies, you might enjoy “Barry” or “Insecure.”

2. Another series that could pique your interest is “Atypical,” created by Chris Carter, who also worked on “Hacks.” This show revolves around a character with Down syndrome, much like certain aspects of “Hacks.”

3. Lastly, if you appreciate the humor and writing style in “Hacks,” you might find “Fleabag” by Phoebe Waller-Bridge particularly appealing.

(As an aside, Tony Goldwyn plays a significant role from season 3 onwards of “Hacks.” If you admire his performance, you may want to explore his portrayal as United States president Fitzgerald Grant on “Scandal.”)

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-present)

At a casual glance, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” may seem unrelated to “Hacks,” but upon closer inspection, there are two significant ties between these humorous series. To begin with, Kaitlin Olson, who has portrayed Sweet Dee Reynolds since the show’s debut, stars as Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr., a character with a complex (yet affectionate) relationship with her mother in “Hacks.” Additionally, both shows share a commonality in their characters’ tendency to act cruelly and unsanitarily, yet in a manner that leaves viewers chuckling.

The hit comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which first aired in 2005 and continued for many seasons, is known for its lengthy run among similar shows. Starring Kaitlin Olson alongside Rob McElhenney (as Ronald “Mac” McDonald), Glenn Howerton (as Dee’s brother Dennis Reynolds), Charlie Day (as Charlie Kelly), and Danny DeVito (as Frank Reynolds, Dee and Dennis’ father), this show is famously politically incorrect. Rather than attempting to be innocuous or bland, it embraces offensive humor, making it all the more amusing…and crucially, it satirizes its main characters by directing its witty cruelty inward. It appears that “Hacks,” a similarly outrageous series, has taken more than just Kaitlin Olson from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The Other Two (2019-2023)

If you enjoy the regular Hollywood references and the witty, skeptical portrayal of the entertainment industry on “Hacks”, then you might appreciate “The Other Two”. This series originally aired on Comedy Central before moving to HBO Max in 2021. It follows Drew Tarver and Heléne Yorke as Cary and Brooke Dubek, a pair of struggling siblings who must deal with their younger brother Chase “Dreams” Dubek (Case Walker), who suddenly becomes famous. The name “Chase Dreams”, which is his stage name, seems to be based on singers like Justin Bieber, given his floppy hairstyle and debut single “Marry U At Recess”. Chase, surrounded by his overbearing yet caring stage mom Pat Dubek (Molly Shannon) and his extremely eager manager Streeter Peter Peters (played by Ken Marino), is overwhelmed by the attention as he rapidly rises to stardom. This leaves Cary and Brooke feeling envious of their brother’s success but also protective towards him at the same time.

In simpler terms, “The Other Two” doesn’t share the same world as “Hacks,” but they are set in fictional universes. A recurring joke is that Hollywood predators grow fangs when they think about Chase turning 18. Additionally, after Brooke leaves showbiz to do good deeds, she becomes invisible to industry insiders. Despite this, “The Other Two” is a brilliantly funny series that explores the ironies of the entertainment world, making it an excellent match for “Hacks.

The Comeback (2005-2014)

In simpler terms, both the show “Hacks” and the two-season HBO comedy “The Comeback” revolve around a veteran actress attempting to regain her stardom, with varying levels of success until an extraordinary chance arises.

In this adaptation, equally amusing and sharp as “Hacks,” we meet Valerie Cherish (played by Lisa Kudrow), a sitcom actress who was once the star of the show “I’m In” in the late 80s and early 90s but has since seen her career decline. The initial season, which premiered in 2005, finds Valerie attempting to reclaim her spotlight by taking on a new sitcom role as Aunt Sassy in a series called “Room and Bored.” Simultaneously, she’s making a documentary titled “The Comeback” (the HBO series is a mockumentary). Valerie struggles through “Room and Bored,” and things go about as poorly as one might expect.

In 2014, Season 2 of the series “The Comeback” was aired, featuring Valerie starring in a fictionalized drama titled “Seeing Red.” This show is loosely based on her experiences during her time on the sitcom “Room and Bored,” which was written by Paulie G., who previously made Valerie’s life difficult on that show. If you enjoyed the series “Hacks” and are interested in another story about an older woman struggling with Hollywood, both seasons of “The Comeback” are highly recommended for viewing.

Broad City (2014-2019)

If Jimmy from “Hacks” seems slightly recognizable, it’s likely because you might have spotted him before on Comedy Central’s buddy comedy “Broad City”, where he played Trey Pucker, an enthusiastic staff member at a New York City gym named Soulstice. Intriguingly enough, the executive producers of “Broad City”, Paul W. Downs and his wife Lucia Aniello, also worked on “Hacks”, and Jen Statsky, another “Hacks” showrunner, contributed to “Broad City” as a producer, writer, and consultant.

In essence, “Broad City” is a comedy series featuring Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer portraying characters named Abbi Abrams and Ilana Wexler. These friends are navigating life in a somewhat exaggerated and comical depiction of New York City. Over the course of five seasons, they find themselves in various predicaments and mishaps, such as tracking down a lost package deep within the city or dealing with an unusual incident involving a sex toy in a dishwasher.

Broad City” is both laugh-out-loud hilarious and surprisingly emotional, much like “Hacks.” Both shows have the creators of Downs, Aniello, and Statsky in common, but their unique trait is that they celebrate the deep bond between women friends, similar to how “Hacks” does. However, Abbi and Ilana’s lives are more grounded in reality compared to Deborah’s, and there might be moments where they become each other’s rivals or possibly even fall in love – the outcome remains uncertain.

The Studio (2025-present)

In 2025, I found myself caught between two shows airing simultaneously: “The Studio” and “Hacks.” Both presented storylines where a character ended up in quite the pickle, overindulging to such an extent they became reminiscent of characters from “Weekend at Bernie’s”. Interestingly enough, both shows featured characters snorting illicit substances for what seemed like an unusual form of assistance. Despite not sharing this specific trait, “The Studio”, a creation of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez, bears striking resemblances to “Hacks”.

At the outset, Matt Remick (played by Rogen) steps into the role as head of Continental Studios in Hollywood, accompanied by his assistant and budding producer Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders), lifelong friend Sal Saperstein (portrayed by Ike Barinholtz), and the studios’ dynamic marketing chief Maya Mason (an outstanding performance by Kathryn Hahn). However, Matt yearns to create genuine art, much like Ava Daniels urging Deborah to improve her humor; he finds himself compelled to produce a “Kool-Aid movie” instead.

Both “Hacks” and “The Studio” delve deep into the murky aspects of Hollywood and, above all else, portray the solitude that comes with achieving success. Given their similar themes, it’s no surprise that “The Studio” finds itself on this list.

Somebody Somewhere (2022-2024)

Initially, it might seem that “Somebody Somewhere” and “Hacks” have little in common, given the stark contrast between characters like Bridget Everett’s Sam and Jean Smart’s Deborah: the former resides in Manhattan, Kansas while the latter enjoys luxury living in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. However, upon closer inspection, both series share a distinctive blend of biting, raw humor, reminiscent of Everett’s uncensored cabaret performances, and an unexpectedly emotional and heartfelt narrative. They both explore the formation of meaningful relationships throughout one’s life.

In the series titled “Somebody Somewhere,” the narrative kicks off in a somber manner following Sam, who’s dealing with the loss of her sister. She’s finding solace among friends such as Joel (Jeff Hiller) and her sister Tricia (Mary Catherine Garrison), in Kansas. Despite having a more intimate setting compared to “Hacks” – without the glitz of late-night shows or financial gains from a QVC line – “Somebody Somewhere” is an uproariously funny and genuinely compassionate show. While it shares some elements with “Hacks,” it could serve as a gentle alternative when Deborah’s confrontations with Ava become overwhelming.

Search Party

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: Deborah Vance on “Hacks” might think she’s too cool for the older crowd, but the younger perspective is clearly shown through Ava. If Deborah were around, I bet she’d be hooked on “Search Party.” The show kicks off when Dory (Alia Shawkat) becomes fixated on the vanishing act of her college friend, Chantal Witherbottom (later played by Clare McNulty). This obsession drives her boyfriend Drew (John Reynolds), pals Elliott (John Early), and Portia (Meredith Hagner) up the wall.

If you’re about to embark on the thrilling journey of “Search Party” for the first time, be prepared! This show is exceptionally peculiar, but in a captivating way. Each season brings a dramatic change not only in the narrative’s focus but also in the unique way the story is told and presented. (Without revealing any spoilers, later seasons delve into cults, murder trials, and endeavors to develop a pill that mimics a near-death experience.) Despite these twists, “Search Party” is definitely worth your time; if I were real, Ava would likely be hooked on it too.

Younger (2015-2021)

In the TV series “Hacks” and “Younger,” Deborah often encounters age discrimination. To be precise, age discrimination serves as the catalyst for all the events unfolding in “Younger.” After taking a break from the publishing industry, Liza Miller (played by Sutton Foster), a stay-at-home mom who has recently divorced, finds herself struggling to find employment due to her age and prolonged absence from work. With the assistance of her longtime friend Maggie Amato (portrayed by Debi Mazar), and a fake ID along with a fabricated backstory, Liza manages to convince potential employers that she is only 26 years old… which ultimately lands her a job at Empirical Press in New York City.

On the TV show “Hacks,” there’s a larger age gap between Deborah and Ava compared to any of the characters on “Younger.” However, just like in “Younger,” where Liza has a close bond with Kelsey Peters (played by Hilary Duff), who is indeed in her 20s, there’s a significant friendship here as well. Deborah and Ava, as well as Liza and Kelsey, encounter highs and lows, even moments of betrayal within their friendships. Yet, they manage to overcome these challenges and achieve substantial professional success together. “Younger” is an enjoyable, lighthearted series with a strong emphasis on female friendship, and it’s plausible that Deborah would admire Liza’s daring maneuvers, despite their apparent absurdity.

Girls5Eva (2021-2024)

Are you seeking a narrative about fading celebrities trying to make a grand return, yet you’ve rewatched “Hacks” an astonishing five times consecutively? I implore you, in the name of everything sacred, give “Girls5Eva” a try.

Meredith Scardino’s show, initially aired on Peacock and later moved to Netflix (regrettably ending its run in 2024 after completing its third and concluding season with a suspenseful cliffhanger), revolves around four former members of a renowned girl group called Girls5Eva. When a prominent rapper, Lil Stinker (Jeremiah Craft), samples their hit song “Famous 5Eva,” the surviving quartet – Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Gloria (Paula Pell), Summer (Busy Philipps), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry) – decide to reconnect and revitalize their group. Notably, a fifth member, Ashley (Ashley Park), was once part of the band, but due to Park’s other commitments on “Emily in Paris,” we discover that her character met an unfortunate demise involving magicians and an infinity pool. However, she occasionally appears in flashbacks.

Similar to the style of “30 Rock”, Tina Fey and Robert Carlock are executive producers for “Girls5Eva”. This series is swift, humorously entertaining, and primarily focuses on how resilient women can overcome any challenges life presents. It might be singing instead of standup, but “Girls5Eva” has a lot in common with “Hacks”. The casting director who recognized that not only do Bareilles and Goldsberry have powerful voices, but they’re both highly comedic as well, deserves some form of recognition or accolade.

Veep (2012-2019)

On the show “Hacks,” Deborah frequently gives in to her most unscrupulous tendencies, particularly when it comes to Ava. If Deborah didn’t have any restraint and always acted terribly, she’d be similar to Selina Meyer from the sharp-witted HBO comedy “Veep.” Portrayed brilliantly by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who won numerous Emmys for her performance, Selina is, in essence, a person teetering on the edge of sociopathy. As she ascends from the vice-presidency to the presidency within this Washington D.C. satire created by Armando Ianucci and David Mandel, Selina becomes increasingly more unscrupulous; it’s accurate to say that power shows her true nature.

In the world of virtual gaming, I find myself consistently drawn to the character Selina Meyer, whose presence is as captivating as it is ruthless. My closest ally in this digital realm is Gary Walsh, portrayed by Tony Hale, who stands by her unwaveringly, even when her actions push him to his limits.

Now, without giving away the climax of this brilliant and bitingly funny series, let me just say that Gary’s sacrifice allows Selina to maintain her position of power. It leaves one pondering: wouldn’t it be intriguing if Deborah Vance were even more ruthless? The wit and humor in “Veep” are so sharp they could make even the toughest characters like Deborah crack a smile. (Oh, and the one-liners on this show are so good they’d make you laugh out loud in any universe!)

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-2023)

As a comedy enthusiast, I must clarify that “Hacks” isn’t the sole series revolving around a woman navigating the cutthroat standup comedy scene. Another notable contender in this niche genre is undoubtedly “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” In 1958, we’re introduced to Rachel Brosnahan’s character, Midge Maisel, who seems blissfully married to Joel (portrayed by Michael Zegen) and is a doting mother of two. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Joel confides in her that he’s leaving for his secretary, flipping her world completely on its head.

Stumbling and confused, Midge navigates towards the Gaslight Cafe, a place where Joel once presented his standup acts, more of a re-teller of other comedians’ jokes rather than an original creator. In an unexpected turn of events, she spontaneously delivers a five-minute set that receives thunderous applause. Despite stripping on stage and getting immediately apprehended, her performance catches the eye of Susie Myerson, the cafe manager (played by Alex Borstein). They then collaborate to launch Midge’s comedy career.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” co-created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, offers a humorous, emotionally resonant exploration of the narrow avenues for female success in the past, as portrayed through the journey of Midge Maisel, a comedian. The show skillfully weaves in vibrant characters like Luke Kirby’s captivating portrayal of real-life comedy legend Lenny Bruce, and it beautifully depicts Midge’s ups and downs as a stand-up comedian. Remarkably, similar to the series “Hacks,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” places the bond between Midge and her manager Susie at its core when all is said and done.

I’m Dying Up Here

Another series that focuses on female comedians struggling to succeed is “I’m Dying Up Here,” which ran for just two brief seasons. This engaging show centers around Golda “Goldie” Herschlag, portrayed by Melissa Leo, who owns a comedy club in Los Angeles teeming with aspiring comedians. The story unfolds in 1973 and follows the characters played by Leo and Ari Graynor as Cassie Feder, an ambitious young comedian from Texas seeking fame in the City of Angels.

Eager for an opportunity to appear on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” Cassie and other comedians such as Ron Shack (Clark Duke), Billy Hobbs (Andrew Santino), Eddie Zeidel (Michael Angarano), and Nick Beverly (Jake Lacy) find themselves competing to impress Goldie, who is notoriously demanding towards her proteges. Unlike Deborah, who entertains audiences herself, Goldie may run a comedy club. However, it’s likely that the two women would develop a strong connection, and Deborah might feel that “I’m Dying Up Here” shares some striking similarities with her own experiences.

2025-06-04 13:33